Modular boat lift canopy assembly and kit

ABSTRACT

A boat lift canopy comprises a truss type framework with a base frame that may be rectangular, comprised of side and end horizontal members. The framework is comprised of channel-ridge interlocking extruded components, enabling easy construction with minimal or no welded parts. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie bar frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wrapping around the base frame and secured to the tie tube frame with canopy ties. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift by vertical members connecting to supporting legs. The canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, facilitating adjustable extension of canopy overhang or length by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework. The framework of the canopy employs a truss design such as Howe kingpost to maximize framework strength to support substantial cantilevered canopy overhangs. Modular, easily assembled components enable provision of the canopy as a kit of components for user assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of a previous application bythe inventor of the present invention, U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/845,372, titled “Boat Lift Canopy Assembly”, filed in the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office on May 13, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to truss type framework canopies to provideshelter for boats. More particularly, this invention relates to animproved canopy structure mounted above a boat lift and a kit forassembling such a structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Users of watercraft have need to shelter docked boats from the elements.While boat houses can provide such shelter, they are expensive and oftenimpractical. Users of watercraft also have need to lift their watercraftfrom the water, for example for maintenance or in preparation for landtransportation of the watercraft, along with a need to lower theirwatercraft into the water, for example for launching or simply forflotation at dock. Answering such needs, the prior art has provided liftdevices employed to raise and lower watercraft, such boat lifts furtherequipped with canopies to protect the watercraft from the elements whilethe watercraft is docked at or engaged by the lift.

Typical of boat lift canopies in the prior art is the canopy claimed anddescribed by Griffith in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,026. Framework for suchcanopies generally comprises prefabricated parts of galvanized steel oraluminum tubing with welded parts. The canopy is assembled as a trusstype frame, typically an “A” frame, which is affixed to the boat liftand covered with a water tight and sunlight resistant decorative canopycover of durable fabric material, such as canvas, which is pulled taughtagainst frame elements and affixed to the frame.

Examining prior art canopy construction in more detail, the NiemanDeluxe Canopy, manufactured by Sierra Manufacturing Company of Monroe,Wash., and the similar canopy manufactured as the Sunstream DeluxeCanopy by Sunstream Corporation of Kent, Wash., may be exemplary. An “A”frame is constructed, comprised of a rectangular base to which arejoined a number of rafters angled upward, each joining a ridgepole alongits length, the ridgepole thereby forming the apex of the “A” frame.Disposed within the “A” frame toward its base, and joined therewith, isa rectangular tie tube frame, of dimensions somewhat smaller than thedimensions of the “A” frame base, so that the “A” frame basecircumscribes the tie tube frame on all sides at a distance of 2 to 6inches or so. Frame sections may be joined by telescoping engagement, insome cases by way of junction pieces fabricated for such purpose;alternatively, frame sections may be joined by welding.

In any case, in such exemplary prior art, the cover material is affixedto the canopy frame by stretching the material over the entire frame,folding the material over and around the rectangular base of the canopyframe, and then tying the edges of the cover with cord-like tiematerial, preferably through grommets disposed in the cover material,within the canopy frame to the tie tube frame.

The canopy is fixed above the boat lift on vertical legs rising abovethe lift, which are most commonly simply extensions of the legs of theboat lift itself. In the prior art, the vertical legs are joined to thecanopy at points along members of the rectangular base of the canopyframe. Typically, a hole is drilled in the rectangular base member ateach point meeting a leg and a screw or bolt is inserted and securedthrough such hole into the leg or a junction piece affixed or integralthereto, thereby securing the canopy to the leg. Alternatively, therectangular base member is welded to the leg or a junction piece for theleg.

Such prior art design of boat lift canopies presents several significantshortcomings. The large number of welded connections in a typical priorart canopy presents risk of metal fatigue and fracture at welded stresspoints, leading to structural failure. Furthermore, in general there hasheretofore been little effort in the art of boat canopy crafting tomodularize construction and minimize the number of distinct partscomprising a canopy. Prior art canopy design does not lend itself easilyto canopy construction from a kit by unskilled users.

A further limitation of the prior art boat lift canopy is that it isoften desirable to change the length of a canopy, as when, for example,the lift is used for a boats of a different length. Further, it is oftendesirable to adjust the position of the canopy with respect to the legs,adjusting for more or less overhang on one side of the lift dependingupon the needs for providing shelter for docked watercraft. As is clearfrom the foregoing description, however, the prior art canopy is noteasily moved with respect to the legs. In the case of canopies securedto the legs by screws, the screws must be removed, new screw holesdrilled in the base members, the canopy moved and then the screwsreinserted. In the case of canopies secured to the legs by welding, itoften is simply not possible at all to move the canopy with respect tothe legs after the canopy is attached.

A further limitation of the prior art boat lift canopy is that, ingeneral, it is not designed to maximize the structural integritypossible in truss type framework structures. Long unsupported overhangs,which have become increasingly popular, require that the canopy possessconsiderable structural strength and rigidity. However, many prior artcanopies simply do not possess sufficient strength for long cantileveredoverhangs.

What is needed is a form of canopy construction which is less reliant onwelded components. What is needed further is a modularized design forcanopies enabling construction of a number of canopy designs using aminimum number of different components. What is further needed is a wayof mounting the canopy to the legs that permits the canopy to be easilyresized or moved with respect to the legs. What is yet further needed isa canopy design with the foregoing features that also maximizes thecanopy's structural integrity, so that it is suitable for longoverhangs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a boat lift canopy, comprising a truss typeframework with a base frame that may be rectangular, comprised of sideand end horizontal members. The framework is comprised of channel-ridgeinterlocking extruded components, enabling easy construction withminimal or no welded parts. Joined to the base frame and circumscribedby it is a tie bar frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover,which in preferred embodiments is decorative as well as functional,snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wraps around the baseframe and is secured to the tie tube frame with canopy ties. The boatlift canopy is held above the boat lift by vertical members, which insome embodiments are vertical extensions of the legs of the boat lift.Advantageously, the canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical membersat the tie tube frame, thereby enabling simple adjustment of theposition of the canopy with respect to the vertical members, permittingadjustment of canopy overhang or length with ease. The framework designallows adjustment of the length and overhang of the canopy by theaddition of frame members extending the canopy framework, suchadjustment facilitated by the releasable coupling of the canopy to thevertical members. The framework of the canopy employs an improved trussdesign such as Howe kingpost to maximize framework strength, therebyenhancing endurance of the canopy and permitting substantialcantilevered canopy overhangs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, advantages, features and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as methods, operation and function of relatedelements of structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofdeployment, will become apparent upon consideration of the followingdescription and claims with reference to the accompanying drawing, whichforms a part of this specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionin conjunction with a boat lift;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the construction of the present inventionin perspective;

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view of the channel-ridge configuration ofthe canopy ridgepole and horizontal members in an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 b shows an embodiment of a ridgepole center connector;

FIGS. 3 c and 3 d illustrate the ridgepole center connector attached tothe ridgepole and struts;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a base side connector in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 a illustrates a tie bar connector;

FIGS. 5 b through 5 d illustrate a base corner connector in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a ridge end connector in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 a illustrates an upright member connector in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 b illustrates the connection of a leg connector to an uprightmember in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 8 a through 8 d illustrate side and top views of variousconfigurations of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, depicted is an embodiment of the presentinvention. Canopy 102 is constructed as a truss type framework overwhich is wrapped a canvas cover. Canopy 102 supports its canvas coverover a watercraft lift 104, standing upon upright members 106, thecanopy configured to sit upon legs 105 terminating in feet 107. Lift 104may be any form of watercraft lift designed to be affixed to the bottomof a body of water, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,264 to Heyor U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914, issued to the inventor of the presentinvention and which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively,lift 104 may be a floating lift as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,798to Samoian et al., or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/816,992 by theinventor of the present invention, incorporated herein by reference.Legs 105 may be dedicated to canopy 102, or in the alternative legs 105may serve as supports for both canopy 102 and lift 102.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the canopy framework of the depicted embodimentcomprises a ridgepole 202, connected to paired central rafters 204 a,204 b and 206 a, 206 b at ridgepole center connector 208. Centralreinforcing bar 210 provides additional structural integrity to thecentral rafter-ridgepole connector assembly. Central rafters 204, 206and lateral rafters 212 and 214 a connect with side horizontal member216 at base center connector 218. Side horizontal member 216 is furtherconnected to lateral rafter 222 and end horizontal member 220 at basecorner connector 224.

Ridgepole 202 connects with lateral rafters 214 a, 214 b, 222 and 226 atridgepole end connector 228. The resulting framework, which in preferredembodiments follows a Howe kingpost design for structural integrity, issupported by upright members 106, disposed upon leg connectors 230,joined to side horizontal members 216 at upright connectors 232, uprightmembers 106 then disposed upon leg connectors 230 for connection to legsand feet supporting the overall structure.

Turning to the method of connecting the various components of the canopyframework, we come now to FIG. 3 a, in which is depicted in crosssection the channel-ridge configuration of ridgepole 202. FIG. 3 billustrates detail of ridgepole center connector 208, comprising achannel, 304, which interlocks with ridge 302 in ridgepole 202 to form asecure connection, depicted in FIG. 3 c, wherein ridge 302 in ridgepole202 interlocks with channel 304 in connector 208, the connector thensecured horizontally in ridgepole 202 by bolts 306. Central rafter pair204 a, 206 a is secured to connector 208 via bolt 308. In a similarfashion an interlocking connector (not depicted) identical to connector208 connects to ridgepole 202 via channel ridge configuration on theother side of ridgepole 202, securing with bolts (not depicted) centralrafter pair 204 b, 206 b (the latter not depicted in FIG. 3 b) toridgepole 202.

FIG. 3 d illustrates the underside of ridgepole 202 connected toconnectors 208. Shown is how lower central rafters 206 a, 206 b are eachsecured to a connector 208 via bolts 234. Central reinforcing bar 210 issecured to lower central rafters 206 a, 206 b via bolts 232.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, illustrated is an embodiment ofbase side connector 218 connecting lateral rafters 212 and 214 a withcentral rafter 204 a and side horizontal member 216. Side horizontalmember 216 is an extruded rod with channel-ridge configuration similarto (if not identical to) the channel-ridge configuration of ridgepole202 illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 2 a. In the depictedembodiment, connector portion 218 a cooperates with the channel inhorizontal member 216, advantageously to allow sections of horizontalmember 216 to be coupled and secured by bolts 408, thereby enabling thelength of the canopy to be adjusted by the addition of frame members toextend the canopy framework.

Connector portion 218 b connects via channel-ridge engagement withhorizontal member 216 on the side opposite connector portion 218 a,thereby connecting central rafter pair 204 a and 206 a (the latter notillustrated) and lateral rafters 212 and 214 a to horizontal member 216,as secured by bolts 408. Connector portion 218 b is further configuredwith a channel 402, in which is disposed tie bar 404.

Turning now to FIG. 4 d, illustrated is a view of base side connector218 on the side of horizontal member 216 opposite the side depicted inFIG. 4 c. As can be seen, connector 218 b engages in this side's channelof horizontal member 216 and is secured therein by bolts 412. Rafters204 a, 212 and 214 a are secured to the other side of connector 218 band rafter 206 a is secured to the depicted side of horizontal member216 by bolt 410. Tie bar 404 passes through channel 402 in connector 218b.

Turning to FIG. 5 a, illustrated is a tie bar support connector 502,which engages with a side horizontal member 216 or an end horizontalmember 220 by cooperating with the member's channel-ridge configuration,support connector 502 further retaining a tie bar 404 within channel 504in tie bar support connector 502. A number of support connectors 502 maybe disposed along the inside channels of side horizontal members 216 andend horizontal members 220 to provide adequate support for tie bars 404disposed within the rectangular frame provided by the horizontalmembers.

FIGS. 5 b, 5 c and 5 d illustrate components of base corner connector224. Side horizontal member 216 is connected to end horizontal member220 via L-connector 224 a, which engages the channel-ridge configurationof both member 216 and member 220. Connector component 224 b, asdepicted, is engaged with the channel ridge configuration of side member216 and retains lateral rafter 222 via bolt 508. Further, component 224b is configured with a channel 506, retaining tie bar 404.

Turning now to FIG. 6, ridge end connector 228 (in this embodimentidentical in configuration to ridge center connector 208, FIG. 3 b)interlocks and connects with the end of ridgepole 202 in channel-ridgeengagement (as discussed previously in regards ridge center connector208 in reference to FIGS. 3 a-3 d), secured by bolts such as bolt 602.Lateral rafters 214 a, 214 b, 222 and 226, connect to and depend fromridge end connector 228, to connect to the rectangular base of thecanopy formed by side horizontal members 216 and end horizontal members220 (FIG. 2), as described previously in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 a illustrates the connection of upright member 216 to horizontalmember 106 by upright member connector 232 which is interlocked andconnected with horizontal member 106 by channel-ridge engagement.Connector 232 may be connected at one of many different points alonghorizontal member 106, facilitating adjustment of overhang and/or lengthof canopy 102. FIG. 7 b illustrates the connection of leg connector 230to upright member 216. Leg connector 230 is configured to receive andretain a leg supporting the canopy assembly, the means of such retentionhere illustrated by retaining bolt 702.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the assemblytechnology and canopy framework design employed in the illustratedembodiments may be advantageously extended to cover a wide range ofcanopy configurations. Turning to FIG. 8, it can be seen that, simply bychanging the length of the struts and the ridge post and horizontalmember sections, canopies of different overall length and differentoverhang may be constructed using the same connectors, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c. As will be further appreciated by those of skillin the art, FIG. 8 d illustrates the further extension of the canopy bythe employment of additional center connectors to extend the framework.As will yet further be appreciated, these various canopy configurationsall advantageously employ the structurally superior Howe kingpostdesign.

Further advantageously and of particular note, all of the canopy'sconnectors (ridgepole center connector 208, base center connector 218,base corner connector 224, ridgepole end connector 228, and uprightconnector 232) engage with the canopy assembly via channel-ridgeengagement and not by welding, reducing the risk of structural failuredue to metal fatigue and fracture. Yet further, all of the canopy'sprincipal components (ridgepole, horizontal members, rafters andconnectors) may be formed by extrusion, a process of manufacture knownto those of skill in the art for its relative economy and scalability.Yet further still, the relative simplicity of the channel-ridge couplingemployed in the present invention facilitates assembly of the canopyfrom its components, enabling the canopy to be distributed as a kit thatmay be assembled by users unfamiliar with the canopy art.

Conclusions, Ramifications, And Scope

Accordingly, it can be seen that the invention described herein providesan improved boat lift canopy, comprised of non-welded components whichmay be easily assembled, providing embodiments whose length and overhangis easily adjusted, with a truss framework of improved strength allowingsubstantial cantilevered overhangs.

Although the detailed descriptions above contain many specifics, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments andramifications are possible within its scope, a number of which arediscussed in general terms above. It is intended that the scope of thepresent invention encompass all means known to those of skill in the artfor practicing the invention according to its teachings.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it should be recognized that elements thereof may bealtered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but onthe contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modificationsand equivalents as can be reasonably included within the scope of theinvention. The invention is limited only by the following claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A framework for boat lift canopies, comprising: a rectangular basecomprising: four horizontal members comprising side horizontal membersand end horizontal members, each horizontal member with ridged channelsalong its length; and base corner connectors, connecting parallel sidehorizontal members at right angles to parallel end horizontal members,the base corner connectors engaging the horizontal members bychannel-ridge engagement of the ridged channels in the side horizontalmembers and the end horizontal members, forming a rectangle ofhorizontal members; and tie bar connectors, retaining tie bars withinthe interior of the rectangular base, the tie bar connectors engagingthe horizontal members by channel-ridge engagement of the ridgedchannels in the horizontal members; a ridgepole with a ridged channelsalong its length; at least one ridgepole center connector engaging theridgepole by channel-ridge engagement of a ridged channel in theridgepole; at least one pair of central rafters connected to anddepending from each ridgepole center connector; a plurality of ridgepoleend connectors engaging the ridgepole by channel-ridge engagement of aridged channel in the ridgepole; a plurality of lateral raftersconnected to and depending from each ridgepole end connector, at leastsome of which connect to base corner connectors in the rectangular base;a plurality of base side connectors, each engaging a side horizontalmember by channel-ridge engagement of a ridged channel in the sidehorizontal member, each base side connector further connected to acentral rafter depending from a ridgepole center connector, each baseside connector further connected to two lateral struts depending from aridgepole end connector; a plurality of upright member connectors, eachengaging a horizontal member by channel-ridge engagement; an uprightmember depending from each upright member connector; and a leg connectoraffixed to each upright member.
 2. A canopy for boat lifts, comprising:a truss type framework comprising a ridgepole having at least one ridgedchannel; a plurality of ridge connectors engaged with the ridgepole bychannel-ridge engagement; a rectangular base comprised of members withridged channels; a plurality of tie bar connectors engaged with therectangular base members by channel-ridge engagement, retaining tie barswithin the rectangular base; a plurality of base connectors engaged withthe rectangular base members by channel-ridge engagement; and aplurality of struts, each strut depending at one end from a ridgeconnector, the strut connecting at the other end to one of the baseconnectors; a plurality of upright member connectors engaged with therectangular base members by channel-ridge engagement; and an uprightmember depending from each upright member connector.
 3. A canopyaccording to claim 2, wherein the framework is configured as a Howekingpost truss.
 4. A kit of components suited to forming a canopy forboat lifts, comprising: a ridgepole having at least one ridged channel;a plurality of ridge connectors adapted to engage the ridgepole bychannel-ridge engagement; a plurality of rectangular base members havingridged channels; a plurality of tie bar connectors adapted to engage therectangular base members by channel-ridge engagement, the tie barconnectors further adapted to engage tie bars; tie bars; a plurality ofbase connectors adapted to engage the rectangular base members bychannel-ridge engagement; and a plurality of struts, each strut havingtwo ends, one end adapted to connect to a ridge connector, the other endadapted to connect to a base connector.
 5. A kit of components accordingto claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of upright members, and aplurality of upright member connectors adapted to engage the rectangularbase members by channel-ridge engagement, the upright member connectorseach further adapted to retain an upright member.